This group has been created to support those who are building one of the many Geodesic Airolite Boats designed by Platt Monfort. Platt developed a unique way to build ultralight boats using inexpensive materials and simple techniques.
What is Geodesic Airolite Construction? It is a simple, inexpensive, low-tech, forgiving system utilizing some exotic materials. The sequence consists of building a simple rugged wood framework, braced with triangulated KEVLAR® roving strands. This tough basket-like frame is then covered with Dacron. This is a first cousin to sail cloth; except it heat shrinks. It is a super-weight, airplane wing covering type of fabric, used on crop dusters.
Many of Platt's designs can be built in 40-60 hours because of the simple construction techniques. Building a fullsize Geodesic Airolite Boat is a lot like building a model, only you get to really enjoy it when you're done.
A DVD of the GA build-up process is available if you are interested. Please join the group and ask how to get a DVD.
You can also check out his many designs at www.GABOATS.com
Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride as we explore this unique and beautiful method for building boats.
... I have to go to a sailmaker, finally found one near here. I have the impression that stuff like ballistic nylon is not made in Europe anymore. It is
... I tried steaming bamboo, I used the whole stem, this was no good. Bamboo does not have so much mass, it holds the heat for a mere 8 to 10 seconds. So it
... On the strength of bamboo: all the fibers are longitudinal, this makes it very strong in one direction. The trouble with bamboo and charts is that bamboo
I have seen a lot of charts showing the various strengths of different species of wood but never bamboo listed among them because I suppose bamboo is a grass.
... Great, love it! This is one of the nicer examples of a pure bamboo frame. If you can't find Dacron, could you find ballistic nylon in the Netherlands? It